TY - JOUR
T1 - Sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease
T2 - Implications for understanding erectile dysfunction
AU - Arruda-Olson, Adelaide M.
AU - Olson, Lyle J.
AU - Nehra, Ajay
AU - Somers, Virend K.
PY - 2003/6
Y1 - 2003/6
N2 - Background and Purpose: There is increasing recognition of the high and rising prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It has been suggested that OSA may contribute to erectile dysfunction. This review will examine the evidence and potential mechanisms, including abnormalities of neural, endothelial and hormonal function, linking OSA to erectile dysfunction. Conclusion: Available data suggest, but do not prove, a higher prevalence of erectile dysfunction in OSA. Certainly, the pathologic processes activated by OSA are also those that may predispose to impaired erectile function. Further well-designed and controlled studies are needed to show conclusively that any increased prevalence of erectile dysfunction in OSA is secondary to the OSA per se and not a consequence of the frequently associated comorbidities, such as obesity and vascular disease, that characterize this patient population.
AB - Background and Purpose: There is increasing recognition of the high and rising prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It has been suggested that OSA may contribute to erectile dysfunction. This review will examine the evidence and potential mechanisms, including abnormalities of neural, endothelial and hormonal function, linking OSA to erectile dysfunction. Conclusion: Available data suggest, but do not prove, a higher prevalence of erectile dysfunction in OSA. Certainly, the pathologic processes activated by OSA are also those that may predispose to impaired erectile function. Further well-designed and controlled studies are needed to show conclusively that any increased prevalence of erectile dysfunction in OSA is secondary to the OSA per se and not a consequence of the frequently associated comorbidities, such as obesity and vascular disease, that characterize this patient population.
KW - Cardiovascular diseases
KW - Erectile dysfunction
KW - Obstructive sleep apnea
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U2 - 10.1007/s00059-003-2482-z
DO - 10.1007/s00059-003-2482-z
M3 - Review article
C2 - 12825145
AN - SCOPUS:0037592390
SN - 0340-9937
VL - 28
SP - 298
EP - 303
JO - Herz
JF - Herz
IS - 4
ER -